Civic Engagement and Outreach

The GFWC Civic Engagement and Outreach Community Service Program reminds GFWC members that each of us is a part of a larger society and is responsible for undertaking actions that will create a better quality of life and foster a sense of community—locally, regionally, nationally, and globally. This Community Service Program highlights and encourages citizenship; crime prevention, safety, and disaster preparedness; the needy, hungry, and homeless; and our military personnel and veterans.We are able to enhance the effectiveness of the Civic Engagement and Outreach Community Service Program within our community by partnering with local and national organizations such as Safe Kids USA, Sew Much Comfort, Department of Veterans Affairs, FEMA, and the USDA.  We have supported our local fire fighters by providing baked goods and presenting them with condiment baskets for their use while on duty.

Environment

The GFWC Environment Community Service Program encourages us to become stewards of the earth by working to preserve the world’s resources, protect wildlife and domesticated animals, live sustainably, and beautify our communities and enjoy nature. Environmental degradation is cumulative and many scientists warn that we are at a tipping point. There is no time like the present to act.  Examples of projects we have done in the past include: planting a tree on Arbor Day, planting butterfly gardens and landscaping a courtyard all for our adopted school.  We recently created planters out of milk jugs at the local Boy’s and Girl’s Club for Mother’s Day.  Our club also sponsors an “Adopt-a-Road” located on Prosser Dr. between Evers and Hunter streets.

Health and Wellness

The human body, mind, and spirit comprise our health and wellness. To improve our well being, we must address three key components: nutrition, disease prevention, and physical and emotional care. This Community Service Program aims to explore the various opportunities for awareness and advancement of each of these vital areas. National organizations that GFWC currently partner with are Canine Companions for Independence, Easter Seals, and Inside Knowledge.  One of our most recent projects that we are proud of is our “homeless bags” where we have gathered socks, tooth paste and tooth brushes, raisins (or other nutritional non-perishable item), and a small bottle of water packaged in a zip-loc bag. These bags are handed out to a needy person by a junior as the opportunity arises.

Education and Libraries

We aim to help others, while we also continue to learn. Projects in the Education and Libraries Community Service Program are designed to foster schools, as well as other educational institutions and opportunities. These projects promote libraries, literacy, and the love of a good book. Through these efforts, we encourage the growth of individuals and communities at home and around the world. PCJWC will purchase books and distribute them within the adopted school.  This committee is also responsible for distributing scholarships to deserving high school students at Plant City, Durant and Strawberry Crest High Schools.

Arts and Culture

The GFWC Arts and Culture Community Service Program encourages members to promote and support art and cultural programs in their clubs and communities, and to expand understanding on every level, from local and regional to national and international. Our goal is to create projects that include crafts, dance, drama, food, music, and other manifestations of art and culture that develop skills, awareness, and appreciation. It is designed to inspire clubwomen and ignite within them a desire to make the world a more beautiful, thoughtful, and caring place. Examples of projects we have done in the past include:  Valentines and Christmas stockings with our Adopt-a-School, decorating cookies with Little Miss Plant City and her court at the HCC Art Fest and sponsoring an art contest with prizes at our adopt-a-school.  This committee has also sponsored a photography contest for our members.